News
Ghana’s first international family amusement park opened in Accra
A new chapter in Ghana’s tourism and recreational landscape was written last Thursday with the launch of Shornaa Island Amusement Park.
Situated along the A1 lagoon bypass just behind the Trade Fair in Accra, this groundbreaking park is the first of its kind in the capital.
It offers a distinctive fusion of entertainment, relaxation, and adventure, all set against the picturesque backdrop of a tranquil black water lagoon.
The state-of-the-art amusement park promises to be the ultimate destination for both locals and tourists seeking an exhilarating day out.
Delivering the opening remarks, Ing. Magnus Lincoln Quarshie, President of XtremeFun Limited, expressed delight in seeing Shornaa Island Amusement Park come to life, emphasising the joy and excitement it will bring to families and visitors of all ages.
Some of the park’s international partners also shared goodwill messages. Speakers included Peter van Bilsen, International Vice President Sales and Marketing of Vekoma Rides Manufacturing and Mr Luigi Puca, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Embassy.
The event also featured local representation from the La Traditional Council.
Distinguished diplomat, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, who delivered the keynote address, shared the importance of such investments in enhancing the tourism and leisure sectors in Ghana.
The park was officially dedicated by Reverend Abboah Offei followed by the much-anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Guests then embarked on a guided tour of the park, led by Richard Lee, the Park General Manager, giving them a first-hand look at the exciting attractions on offer.
“We’re thrilled to finally welcome the public to Shornaa Island Amusement Park. This grand opening is just the beginning as we plan to introduce even more exciting attractions in the future,” said Richard Lee.
The evening culminated in a raffle draw and a spectacular fireworks display.
The park was opened to the general public on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Operating hours are Tuesdays to Fridays from 2pm to 7pm., Saturdays from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm and from 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem has today revealed in Parliament that special audit has uncovered over payments for transportation of grains in respect of the dry spell expenditure.
According to the Deputy Minister, Under the Farmer Food Relief and Recovery Programme, a transportation company was contracted to transport 134,000 metric tonnes of maize and rice to farmers across the country at a contract sum of GH¢115.2 million.
Even though the company transported only 35,000 metric tonnes which should have costed GH¢30.9 million, the company was paid GH¢50 million.
In addition to this payment, the company was given 7,311 metric tonnes of rice equivalent to 14,622 bags of 50kg rice, which amounts to GH¢11.7 million in lieu of cash for no work done. This brings total payment to GH¢61.7 million.
As a result, the Auditor-General accordingly rejected an amount of GH¢65.2 million that was requested by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as additional payment to the said transport company.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has revealed that thousands of tonnes of food supplied under government’s 2024 dry spell intervention cannot be accounted for after a special audit.
According to him, the audit found discrepancies in the supply of rice and maize purchased by the Government of Ghana to support farmers and vulnerable communities affected by the dry spell.
He explained that government paid for 34,000 metric tonnes of rice to help address the impact of the dry spell. However, records from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture show that only 24,000 metric tonnes were received and distributed.
He noted that about 10,000 metric tonnes of rice remain unaccounted for even though the full quantity had already been paid for by the state.
The deputy minister also disclosed that government had contracted a company to supply 100,000 metric tonnes of maize as part of the intervention.
He said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture submitted Stores Receipt Advice as proof that the full quantity of maize valued at GH¢771.2 million had been delivered. The document was presented to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate payment.
However, the audit revealed that only 11,900 metric tonnes of maize were actually supplied and distributed.
He further stated that the Stores Receipt Advice used to support the payment was accompanied by a checklist certified by the internal auditor of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The findings form part of a special audit conducted to review government expenditure related to the dry spell response in 2024.
By Jacob Aggrey
